Deadline Nears for St. Pete to Review Street Murals Under New FDOT Rule

St. Petersburg’s vibrant street murals and colorful crosswalks — long celebrated as symbols of the city’s creative spirit — are now on the clock. A new directive from the Florida Department of Transportation requires the city to review all pavement art and decide which pieces can stay. With the state’s deadline quickly approaching, officials are racing to determine what will be preserved and what could soon disappear from local roads.

The State Directive

On June 30, FDOT issued guidance requiring that all pavement art on public roads meet uniform traffic control standards. Any markings not tied directly to traffic safety—such as murals or decorative crosswalks—must either be removed or risk jeopardizing transportation funding.

The rule affects several well‑known installations, including the “Black History Matters” mural and the Progressive Pride crosswalk. FDOT has cited safety as the reason, pointing to concerns over driver distraction and potential conflicts with automated vehicle systems.

Federal Involvement

The matter gained national attention when U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to governors on July 1 urging states to audit similar markings and ensure compliance within 60 days. This directive effectively puts local art under federal review, broadening its impact beyond Florida.

St. Petersburg’s Response

City officials are compiling an inventory of potentially affected street art and plan to submit it to FDOT before the deadline. Councilman Mike Harting has stated that if removal becomes necessary, the city will explore alternative public spaces—such as park installations or building murals—to preserve St. Petersburg’s artistic presence in other forms.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming deadline highlights a broader question for St. Petersburg: how to balance uniform roadway safety standards with the community’s tradition of public art and cultural expression. The city’s decision in the coming weeks could shape how future projects navigate that balance.